In Case You Need Another Reason…

Atheists and agnostics and other unbelievers always wonder why there is such a big deal made of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thinking Him only to be an ordinary man, they cannot realize the enormity of what His death meant for the world:

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. John 16:7 (AMP)

Jesus did not just die and His work on earth stopped. Rather, His death signified an entirely new era in God’s dealings with mankind. For in dying to this world (Jesus is God and can’t die), it enabled the third part of the Trinity to take center stage. That third part being the Holy Spirit. Although they are One, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit function in different capacities. With Jesus leaving the earth, the Holy Spirit came and God’s reach into the hearts of all mankind became possible once again.

In creation, God prepared a world complete with all things necessary for life and living for the first man, Adam. Adam failed at keeping the one directive God gave him, and hence sin entered the world, and with it death. The second Adam came and brought redemption to a fallen world. Jesus obeyed all of the Father’s directives, even to the death on a cross, hence making it possible for mankind to live eternally once again.

And that eternal life begins when we accept the finished work done at Calvary’s cross. When we recognize that we have a kinsman-redeemer who paid the price for our sins, and upon our acceptance of that gift, can then receive the Holy Spirit into our lives – our “Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby” – yes – all of this and more. He not only will live in us, but He will be our closest companion.

As we reflect on the events leading to the cross during this Holy Week, the sacrificial death of Jesus becomes so much more priceless when we consider that He not only gave salvation, He gave us life and a life-leader for all eternity.

Maria